Equipment
The fairway finder
We're never short of competitive golf at this time of year.
Whether it's the summer knockouts, club matches or monthly medals, now is when we all want to be playing well. It's that momentum and unwavering confidence that golf can bring. Win one match or shoot a few under your handicap in a competition and it won't be long until your expectations on the course change.
Finding the fairway
Hitting a poor tee shot on the first can easily be blamed on feeling a little stiff. It's happened to all of us and - we hate to say it - it will happen again in the future too.
But when you're playing well and on the final stretch, it's important to keep going and finish the round with confidence.
Whether you're feeling the pressure in a tight match or have a good score going, having an option in your armoury that almost guarantees you'll find the fairway off the tee is a godsend.
How the pros play
Taking a club off the tee that you know you’ll be able to find the fairway with 9 out of 10 times is massive, and directly elevates your confidence as well as your scoring ability. Just ask the pros how important finding the fairway is.
Skilled players often choose to hit a cut shot off the tee, methodically striking the ball with a soft fade to gain more control over the ball at the expense of distance.
When striking a cut shot, Rickie Fowler explained to Golf Digest that he needs to be relaxed and mentally committed to the shot rather than trying to force the result.
A big thing is making sure you don't slice into it. Staying behind it is important, but continuing to release it. When I'm trying to hit a cut, I'm thinking cut, I'm not trying too hard to cut it.
Rickie Fowler | Golf Digest
Finding your fairway-finder
The Qi35 range features four distinct models, the standard driver is the one most golfers will get on well with. TaylorMade’s Twist Face and the Thru-Slot Speed Pocket that sits behind it allow for an efficient transfer of energy between club and ball for excellent distance down the fairway. The driver naturally has a low centre of gravity to inspire greater launch, and with a high MOI rating, you’ll be making some very accurate strikes off the tee.
Plenty of golfers suffer from a slice, hitting the ball far to the right of the fairway. This can result in feeling the need to drastically try to compensate by setting up to the ball aiming far to the left. If this sounds like you, the Qi35 Max will be the driver for you. This driver features a lot of the same great tech as the standard model but with a large 34g tungsten weight on the back of the clubhead, the Max offers the most forgiveness in the range.
If you’re a skilled player with a fast swing speed and you want to get the most out of your tee shots, you’ll feel at home with the Qi35 LS driver. This low-spin offering from TaylorMade has a smaller, more compact head shape that allows for a more aerodynamic movement that will compliment players with faster swing speeds. Three moveable weights allow you to customize your desired shot shape.
TaylorMade also have a club in the range that will benefit players who have a slower swing speed and want to gain more distance on their strikes. The Qi35 Max Lite is a lightweight variation of the Max that will allow you to swing faster through the ball to have your shots landing further down the fairway. This club has a slightly lighter 24g tungsten weight that makes the club more maneuverable while still allowing it to pack a punch.
Maybe it's a case of putting the driver away when you really need to find a fairway, opting for a trusty fairway wood instead? Luckily, TaylorMade's Qi35 fairway woods are the perfect tool for the job.
If you’re thinking it’s time to add a new driver or fairway wood to your bag but you’re uncertain of which one would best suit you, we’re available in the pro shop to help.
